Pets Bring Extra Love to Residents at Holiday Retirement

Companionship may be the most obvious benefit of pet ownership, but our furry friends do more for us than we even realize. It’s been reported that pets are especially beneficial for older adults, who may experience reduced stress, lower blood pressure, increased social interaction and greater physical activity as a result of pet ownership. Pets have also been credited with reducing depression and loneliness, and even stimulating memories.

That’s why we’re dedicated to making room for our residents’ companions — at Holiday Retirement, pets are part of the family, too.

It’s widely known among the residents and staff at Holiday Retirement’s Genesee Gardens that if you see Marie Gorzenski around the community, you’re almost certain to see her dog, Sweetie, too. Marie and Sweetie have called Genesee Gardens home for a little more than a year, but the duo have been inseparable for more than three years.

Marie was at a dog pound in Bonita, Florida when she meet Sweetie. Sweetie, already a year old, was thought to be a runaway when she came into the shelter, as she was particularly well taken care of. Still, no family came forward to claim Sweetie, and Marie stepped forward to give her a home. Since then, Sweetie has become Marie’s dear friend and an ideal furbaby.

Marie noted that it took her no time at all to realize why her new dog was found with the name Sweetie on her tags. From their first day together, she was such a sweetie pie that no other name would do.

Asked if there was any one thing about having Sweetie with her that made her life at Genesee Gardens more joyful, Marie couldn’t pick. “All of our moments have been just that special … I love her just that much!” However, she did note that she’s always delighted to see how Sweetie reacts to her friends and neighbors. “I love when I walk her [around], because I love the reaction she gives the other residents when she walks by. She’s just pleasant to be around. She encourages everyone to love her, and in return, she loves them back.”